Photofacials in Philadelphia

Photofacials are also known as photorejuvenation, utilizing the Alexandrite laser technology to rejuvenate the skin. Unlike other treatments, Alexandrite laser emits a high-energy light that converts to heat energy, targeting and treating specific areas of concern without disrupting or abrading the skin.

Photofacials in Philadelphia are a safe and effective means to improve skin issues primarily related to pigmentation and capillaries such as spots, freckles, and rosacea. However, photofacial technology is often used by professionals to generally improve even normal skin. At our Med Spa, we offer minimally-invasive treatment options for all skin types and problems.

What Is a Photofacial And How Does It Work?

The light emitted by the Alexandrite laser is absorbed by the pigments in the skin, causing them to heat up and disintegrate, allowing for their natural removal from the body. This process, known as photothermolysis, effectively treats pigmentation issues and enhances the overall complexion.

What Do Photofacials Work Best For?

Photofacials are great for improvements such as:

• A boost in collagen production
• Smoother skin texture
• A more even complexion
• Fewer brown spots
• Improvement in sun damage

Photofacials might be used alone or as part of our Philadelphia team’s broader array of skin treatments for improvement of:

• Blotchy skin
• Brown spots, including age and liver spots
• Discoloration
• Facial flushing
• Melasma
• Freckles
• Redness
• Some forms of lines and wrinkles

Additional Notes:

• Photofacial treatments are usually the best way to address sun damage for people with lighter skin tones.
• Photofacials are often used very successfully for patients with persistent and active acne.
• Photofacials can be used for moderate to severe rosacea but can also be used for mild and common capillary issues such as those often found around the nose.
• There is some evidence that photofacials can actually prevent premature aging of the skin.
• Photofacials compliment other anti-aging treatments very well such as injectables and fillers.
• Photofacials provide dramatic results with less downtime compared to deep chemical peels.

What Are Photofacials Like? Does It Hurt?

The photofacial experience depends on the technology used in your treatment. With Alexandrite laser, the sensation can be described as a mild snapping or stinging, but most patients find it very tolerable, with mild discomfort but not painful. The effect after treatment often leaves the skin feeling similar to a mild to moderate sunburn for a couple of days afterward. During a session, you’ll be wearing medical protective goggles over your eyes. The session will take between 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much area is treated (photofacial can be used for more than just the face). Some photofacial treatments also involve one or more skin cooling methods such as a cooling gel beforehand and a cooling device application during the treatment.

What Parts Of The Body Is Photofacial Good For?

Photofacials can be used almost anywhere on the body except those very close to the eyes. Besides the face, most patients who can benefit from photofacial commonly get treatments on the neck, upper chest, shoulders and backs of hands. Like the face, these areas are most prone to sun damage and pigmentation issues.

How Many Photofacial Treatments Do I Need?

While you might notice improvement even after your first procedure, results are cumulative. Most people need a course of five to eight sessions for the best results. The treatments should be spaced around three weeks apart to allow the skin time to heal and rejuvenate.

You will be able to see gradual improvement after each procedure. At first, your skin will be smoother and more even. Then, you will start noticing that the brown spots are getting lighter, while the redness is fading away. After finishing your treatment course, it is best to have maintenance procedures every six months or so. This ensures that you maintain optimal results.

What’s The Difference Between Photofacial and Other Skin Treatments?

Most professional skin rejuvenation treatments share a common goal: they aim to trigger a healing and rejuvenation process by interacting with the skin. However, the manner and depth of this interaction vary across different treatments due to the complex nature of the skin.

Some treatments are “ablative,” meaning they remove layers of skin and are more invasive. Others focus on promoting collagen production to tighten the skin.

In the realm of laser-based treatments, Alexandrite laser stands out. Unlike some treatments that create perforations in the top layers of the skin, Alexandrite laser treatment employs a high-energy light converted to heat energy to target specific areas, working through a process called photothermolysis. This process uses light (photo) to heat (thermo) a selected area for destruction (lysis), causing precise tissue destruction of the targeted lesion while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged​​.

This distinction makes Alexandrite laser-based Photofacials an excellent choice for cases that do not require resurfacing or repair of skin texture but need improvement in pigment or capillary visibility.

At Metro Laser, we prioritize understanding each patient’s unique needs to suggest the safest, most effective treatment or combination of treatments to meet your skincare goals.

What To Know Before Getting A Photofacial

• Photofacials are usually not suitable for tanned skin or naturally dark skin. Avoid tanning for several weeks prior to treatment. Talk to our skin rejuvenation professionals to see if your skin tone will be conducive to photofacial. If we find that your skin is not well suited to this treatment, we will be able to recommend another course of treatment for darker skin types.
• General avoidance of sun exposure is recommended before and after your treatment. Your skincare professional at Metro Laser will give you more specifics prior to treatment. Photofacials are not recommended for skin with eczema or psoriasis.
• We will help you understand which topical products to use and which to avoid for the immediate time before and after your treatment.
• Photofacial may not be suitable for you if you are on certain kinds of antibiotics. If you are on any antibiotics, we will be able to determine if it is safe for you to get photofacial or if you’ll need to wait until your course of medication is complete.

Book a Photofacial Treatment in Philadelphia Now

When you want a fast and effective way to improve your skin’s natural glow, consider the benefits of photofacials in Philadelphia. Our team can assess your skin’s needs and listen to your goals to create a personalized treatment plan. Call Metro Laser today.